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Old Forester Statesman vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Old Forester Statesman and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) +15 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$30 – $40 ~$18 less |
- Penelope Four Grain does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
oak 5/3 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 7/5 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
nuttiness 2/4 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
- Penelope Four Grain: A light, low-proof blend of corn, wheat, rye and barley. Honey, almond and orchard fruit keep it sweet and easy, though it reads young and thin when sipped neat.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight with more proof behind it.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).